Membership
The Civic Federation's membership includes business and professional leaders from a wide range of Chicago area companies and institutions. A primary goal of the organization is to extend its membership base throughout the six-county region as we continue to develop relationships with governmental bodies from Chicago to Aurora, and from Lockport to Waukegan.
Local government leaders are invited to speak at Civic Federation Board meetings and forums, affording members the opportunity to engage in dialogue with local public officials.
By serving on our various policy committees, Civic Federation members actively participate with staff in developing the research, information, and action produced by the Federation.
Request information on becoming a member.
What people are saying about the Civic Federation:
“The Civic Federation is a great asset to the citizens of Illinois. For over a century, The Federation has provided taxpayers with objective information about taxation and local government spending, never tiring in its efforts to promote good government and best practices.”
—Governor Rod R. Blagojevich
“The Civic Federation represents an important bridge between the business community and government in Chicago. Through its diligence in promoting efficient management of government resources, The Civic Federation helps improve the quality of services delivered to all Chicago residents. ”
—Mayor Richard M. Daley
“The Civic Federation’s expertise in analyzing Cook County’s property tax system has been invaluable in our joint efforts to make the tax system fairer and more understandable to all taxpayers. The Federation’s involvement in tax policy issues has elevated the debate and increased awareness of the need to reform the property tax system, making it one of the preeminent property tax research centers in the region.”
—Cook County Assessor James M. Houlihan
“The ambitious research agenda of The Civic Federation enables it to make intelligent and relevant public comments on the issues of the day. The ability to generate serious academic research, while remaining involved in public dialogue, defines this organization's unique role as an important resource and able advocate for the effective governance of Chicago.”
—Fred Montgomery,
Civic Federation Board Member and Director,
State and Local Tax, Sara Lee Corporation
“The Civic Federation has been a valuable partner in working with Metropolitan Mayors Caucus to better promote public understanding of state and local finances. We look to The Federation as a trusted source of objective, non-partisan research on local government financing.”
—David E. Bennett, Executive Director,
Metropolitan Mayors Caucus
“At civicfed.org, the 113-year-old nonpartisan Chicago Civic Federation provides budget analyses covering city and county agencies, research papers explaining dense financial issues, position papers spelling out opinions, and more. An invaluable and free online resource for policy wonks.”
—Chicago Magazine,
“171 Great Chicago Web Sites”